Four people died and at least 16 were injured when a train struck a flatbed truck carrying participants in a parade honoring U.S. troops and veterans in Midland, Texas, on Thursday, Nov.15, according to train accident lawyers at the Dallas law firm Frenkel & Frenkel. The “Hunt for Heroes” event – which includes a parade, a banquet, and a .white-tail deer hunt –honors all branches of the U.S. military. The flatbed was crossing the tracks when the eastbound train struck vehicle. Cause Remains Unknown Authorities said they are unclear why the truck was on the tracks, or why the train was not notified of the parade. The train sounded its horn prior to impact, and some of those on the flatbed jumped to safety. Killed in the accident were Army Sgt. Gary Stouffer, Army Sgt. Major Lawrence Bolvin, Army Sgt. Joshua Michael, and Army Sgt. Major William Lubbers. In addition, ten others were treated and released at a nearby hospital; six remain hospitalized as of this posting. One of those hospitalized was in critical condition, while another was transferred to University Medical Center. Frenkel & Frenkel offer their prayers and support to the victims and their families. Gates and Lights Operational One question asked by train accident lawyers after the accident was whether the gates and lights at the intersection were operational. Although Union Pacific Railroad spokesman Tom Lange indicated that they were operational, National Transportation Safety Board officials have not confirmed whether the gates and lights were operational at the time of the accident. None of the train’s crew was injured in the crash. Many on Float Wounded Veterans According to witnesses, the train sounded its horn as people on the flatbed truck scrambled to escape, but many of those on the float were wounded veterans and their wives. An estimated two dozen veterans and spouses, seated in chairs on the flatbed, waved along the parade route amid American flags and signs identifying each veteran. Witnesses described seeing the people on the float panic when they heard the locomotive horn. The flatbed that was struck was the second of two flatbeds carrying veterans. The first was able to clear the tracks easily, but the second was unable to get off the tracks before the train arrived at the intersection. The entire Frenkel & Frenkel team is particularly close to the military community and its Veterans, and actively supports the “Carry the Load” organization. “At times like this, we hope the families of the victims attain assistance in protecting their rights by contacting a qualified attorney as preserving evidence in a timely manner is critical” said Mark Frenkel of Frenkel & Frenkel.
